The Hague (Web Desk): Pakistan’s case against India over serious violations of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has moved forward, even as India refused to participate.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague completed the second phase of hearings despite India’s absence and failure to provide requested technical data, dealing a diplomatic blow to the Modi government.
According to a statement issued by the court, India not only failed to appear for the hearing but also ignored court orders to submit technical data on disputed dams by February 9.
India declined to provide records for the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, prompting the PCA to continue proceedings in absentia.
The court will now examine how India may be altering the design of hydroelectric projects on western rivers in ways that restrict Pakistan’s rightful share of water.
Led by Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Pakistan’s delegation informed the court that India has deliberately misinterpreted the Indus Waters Treaty to create illegal water storage capacity under the guise of “run-of-the-river” projects.
Pakistan has requested that the court compel India to share design changes and technical data.
The five-member international bench, chaired by US expert Professor Sean D. Murphy, also includes judges from Belgium, Jordan, and Australia. Despite India’s obstinacy, the bench will render a decision on the merits of the case.
This hearing marks a critical stage in Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard its water rights under the IWT and highlights India’s continued defiance of international arbitration.